Every year we are bombarded by an onslaught of Christmas specials. Some are cute and cuddly, others make us cringe.
“A Very Harold And Kumar 3D Christmas” is a unique Christmas special. It will make you laugh at things that probably should offend you. But you have to give the film a little credit for being so bold to offend almost every person possible.
Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) are two lovable stoners who first took us for a spin as they went on a journey to “White Castle,” then were thrown in the infamous Guantanamo Bay prison.
Now they will attack Christmas with the same lewd drug and sex-fueled jokes they are known for. You’ve been warned.
Since the last film, Harold has become quite successful. He has a lucrative job on Wall Street. He has a beautiful wife, Maria (Paula Garces). Christmas is coming so it’s time for the in-laws to visit.
Harold is especially nervous about dealing with the imposing father-in-law, Mr. Perez (Danny Trejo). Harold is a nervous wreck, trying to make sure he gives a good impression of himself, and of course Kumar is on his way to make things as difficult and amusing for the audience as possible.
Kumar shows up with a package that was sent to him by mistake. After delivering it, hi-jinx ensues. The more these two try to stay away from trouble, the more trouble they get into.
From running away from Russian gangsters to running into their old friend NPH (Neil Patrick Harris) Harold and Kumar find themselves in one hell of a Christmas story.
If you’re a fan of the “Harold and Kumar” movies, you’ll not be disappointed. If you aren’t, you will most likely be offended.
There are plenty of sex, drug and religious jokes to make you wish you saved the $10.50 for a rainy day. But then again, the movie is rated R. What did you expect?
The movie does create a multitude of whacky moments. A teenage party filled with sex and drugs is crashed by a Russian mob boss who comes to believe that Harold and Kumar were trying to de-flower his daughter. A young child also tries cocaine and marijuana for the first time. (I told you it’s offensive).
Harold and Kumar run into NPH at a production show rehearsal totally unplanned. Unbelievable yes, but if the plot were believable the movie would be very boring.
Director Todd Strauss-Schulson takes over the directing for this installment. He manages to keep the shock and awe of the previous entries. For better or worse, he kept the spirit of the series.
The 3D effects really were not impressive. If anything, they added a factor of disgustingness to the movie. As a heads up, skip the extra fee and just watch it in 2D. Seeing eggs being thrown in 3D seems interesting, but not for an extra ten bucks. If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll enjoy the latest installment. But the 3D effects? They hurt more than help the movie.